GROUP C

SL BENFICA

After finishing third in their group last season, Benfica went on to reach the final of the UEFA Europa League, where they were beaten on penalties by FC Sevilla. AS Monaco has never played the Lisbon club before in Europe.

BAYER LEVERKUSEN

After their elimination at the hands of PSG in the round of 16 last season (0-4 and 1-2), Bayer Leverkusen return to the competition determined to improve on that peformance. In 1997-1998, AS Monaco eased past the German side in the group stage (4-0 and 2-2).